Failing hearts linked to broken bones
Although heart failure seems to have little in common with broken bones, accumulating evidence suggests they are somehow tied to each other.
How might these two dissimilar conditions be related? One possibility is that the metabolic derangements that cause bones to thin might also cause the heart to weaken, or vice versa. Frailty may also play a role, suggested by the fact that broken hips (which are usually caused by falls) predominated over vertebral fractures (broken bones in the spine), which are more closely related to osteoporosis.
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online Plus (HHO+) to unlock expert-backed health insights, personalized tools, and exclusive resources to feel your best every day.
Here’s what you get with your HHO+ membership:
- Unlimited access to all Harvard Health Online content
- 4 expertly curated newsletters delivered monthly
- Customized website experience aligned to your health goals
- In-depth health guides on topics like sleep, exercise, and more
- Interactive features like videos and quizzes
- Members-only access to exclusive articles and resources
I’d like to subscribe to HHO+ for $4.99/month to access expert-backed content to help make smart, informed decisions about my well-being.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.